Topic Test Answers

Blood contains the highest concentrations of the virus, so medical procedures involving blood, like blood transfusions, can transmit the virus; however, this is rare in the US. Getting a tattoo or a piercing can also transmit the virus if the needles are not properly cleaned; this is also very rare. Sharing needles for intravenous drugs will transmit the virus. Since breast milk also contains the virus, a mother can pass the virus to a nursing baby. She can also transmit the virus during pregnancy or during birth. Medications are available to lessen the chances of this kind of transmission happening.

In addition to general practitioners, family, and friends, there are clinics, charities, and agencies that specialize in providing counseling for individuals with STIs.

After HIV has caused such a reduction in immune cells that the body can no longer fight off illness, a person will be diagnosed with AIDS. Common signs of AIDS are opportunistic infections, such as Kaposi's sarcoma, pneumonia, candida, and eye infections. Severe weight loss, brain tumors, night sweats, chronic diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, severe shaking from chills, and high fever are also some of the most common symptoms.

HIV has no cure. Medications can only prolong life and treat infections. The virus weakens the immune system and in time becomes AIDS, at which time it is very difficult for the body to fight off diseases and certain cancers.

Most germs that cause STIs die quickly once they have left the human body. Objects like eating utensils, toilet seats, and swimming pools are generally safe under usual circumstances.